The Elusive CD 31

[casampson]

A CD 31 went flying by me in the outer harbor the other day. I was totally impressed with the way she looked and performed. In fact, I feel like I may have found my next boat. : )

What's the word on the CD 31? I'd appreciate any opinions, observations, etc. on this low-profile member of the CD family.

Chris

[Mike Davis]

Hi Chris,
I have a 31. She is a beautiful boat that sails well under all conditions. There were not many made, under 100. Beautiful cabin. I prefer to cruise with 3 persons, although 4 is a tight fit.

[John Stone]

A CD 31 went flying by me in the outer harbor the other day. I was totally impressed with the way she looked and performed. In fact, I feel like I may have found my next boat. : )

What's the word on the CD 31? I'd appreciate any opinions, observations, etc. on this low-profile member of the CD family.

Chris

Recommend you contact Jim Walsh, a frequent contributor, on the forum. He has sailed his 31 Orion singlehanded to Bermuda at least twice.

[casampson]

Thanks for the tip, John.

I think I am most intrigued by the fact that the CD 31 is a nice size boat with a cutter rig. Here's an excerpt from Lin and Larry Pardey's book Capable Cruiser that explains why the cutter is their favorite rig:

https://www.offcenterharbor.com/2015/01 ... ry-pardey/

[Jim Walsh]

A CD 31 went flying by me in the outer harbor the other day. I was totally impressed with the way she looked and performed. In fact, I feel like I may have found my next boat. : )

What's the word on the CD 31? I'd appreciate any opinions, observations, etc. on this low-profile member of the CD family.

Chris

Recommend you contact Jim Walsh, a frequent contributor, on the forum. He has sailed his 31 Orion singlehanded to Bermuda at least twice.

Singlehanded to Bermuda four times....but who’s counting
Good solid cruiser, fine performance with a smooth bottom and decent sails....and the skill to trim them. Tracks very well, balances well, light on the helm, performs admirably with windvane self steering. Cutter rig allows for multiple sail combinations to suit wind and sea conditions. Eminently seaworthy offshore.
Orion is a 1984 model and I have spent a considerable amount of time, effort, and money, to make her suitable for my intended use. The two prior owners left her in pretty much stock condition which was a plus.

[Steve Darwin]

Some years ago I crewed on a CD31 cutter, Marion MA to Jamestown RI. The winds were light, but she moved along quite well. The cabin layout on the 31 is exceptionally nice. Comfortable head located port side aft, and a well-thought-out galley. Was there a chart table? Can't remember.

[Jim Walsh]

Some years ago I crewed on a CD31 cutter, Marion MA to Jamestown RI. The winds were light, but she moved along quite well. The cabin layout on the 31 is exceptionally nice. Comfortable head located port side aft, and a well-thought-out galley. Was there a chart table? Can't remember.

There is no dedicated chart table. There is however a cover over the stove which is the same dimension as the popular Maptech Chart Kit, 22”X17”. The fiddles hold the chart in place. It is the predecessor of the latest office fad....the stand-up workstation.

[fmueller]

Interior looks great Jim ...

[Carl Thunberg]

I had the pleasure of crewing on Dean Abrams' CD31 to Nova Scotia a few years ago. Dean used to be a regular contributor to this board, but he is retired now and is sailing more than sitting at a computer. On the Nova Scotia trip, we set the vane just outside Casco Bay, Maine and never touched the sails again until we reached Yarmouth, NS. If you can find one, they are marvelous boats, and my dream boat. Well, that and a Morris Justine 36, but that's the stuff of dreams.

[Paul D.]

A CD33 is a great option. There are more of them made and usually a few of them about, some with cutter rigs. CD330 is a cutter but is usually more $$$ and there were less of them made. Just saying....gotta represent!